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AI Anxiety and Metal Mayhem Shake U.S. Markets

U.S. stock futures stumbled as renewed doubts about the sustainability of the artificial‑intelligence boom rippled through financial markets. Tech-heavy benchmarks led the decline, with Nasdaq futures sliding and the S&P 500 also moving lower as investors reassessed whether AI-linked valuations have run too far, too fast. The unease wasn’t limited to equities. Precious metals experienced dramatic intraday swings, with gold and silver both whipsawing after a period of rapid gains. Traders pointed to shifting expectations around interest rates and safe‑haven demand as key drivers behind the volatility. The combination of tech-sector skepticism and commodity turbulence has created a tense backdrop for markets. While some investors see the pullback as a healthy reset, others worry it may signal deeper concerns about the durability of the recent rally. Markets now look ahead to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings for clearer direction.

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New Tax Measures in 2024


The Canadian government has introduced new tax measures that will affect Canadians in 2024. These measures include the elimination of some short-term rental deductions, new alternative minimum tax rates, and changes to Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions. The elimination of some short-term rental deductions was announced in the Fall Economic Statement (FES) and kicks in on Jan. 1. The federal government is now eliminating that tax break, denying operators of short-term rentals any income tax deductions for expenses if they operate in provinces or municipalities that have banned short-term rentals. In provinces that still allow short-term rentals, operators that are not compliant with local regulations and laws will also be denied the deduction.

The GST/HST exemptions will also be affected. The federal government announced it was taking the GST/HST off “professional services rendered by psychotherapists and counselling therapists.”

These changes are not expected to have a significant impact on most individuals, unless they’re high-income earners.

    

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